WASHINGTON, Dec 04, 2006 -- The National Space Society (NSS) today announced the launch of the NSS Space Settlement Nexus, a public Internet portal that offers unlimited access to the most comprehensive collection of documents, studies and other resources concerning Space Settlement and related issues.

Timed to coincide with NASA's release earlier today of the agency's Global Exploration Strategy and Lunar Architecture, the unveiling of the NSS Space Settlement Nexus (www.NSS.org /settlement) underscores the National Space Society's continued strong support for NASA's Vision for Space Exploration and the placement of Space Settlement at the center of NASA's long-term plans.

"At a time when the country and the world are calling for a positive direction, NASA's space exploration program offers a path of growth, discovery and hope," said George Whitesides, Executive Director of the National Space Society. "The global exploration strategy makes a bold statement that we are going back to the Moon to stay."

The National Space Society traces its founding principles to the innovative concepts of Dr. Gerard K. O'Neill, the Princeton professor who advanced the field of Space Settlement in the 1970s and 1980s. The NSS Space Settlement Nexus includes comprehensive coverage of Dr. O'Neill's work, as well as related resources on the settlement of the Moon, Mars and asteroids.

"Today's announcement places the expansion of humanity at the center of NASA's exploration program," said Mark Hopkins, Senior Vice President of NSS. "This decision validates the belief of Dr. O'Neill - and thousands of NSS members worldwide - that Space Settlement can deliver nearly unlimited resources, growth and prosperity."

The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space. NSS counts thousands of members and over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. For more information about NSS, how to join or donate, or the society's annual International Space Development Conference (ISDC), please visit: http://www.nss.org